Kyrgyzstan: Kerry sends 'condolences to Russia' over crashed flight

US Secretary of State John Kerry interrupted a press conference in Bishkek on Saturday to send his "condolences to Russia" over the crash of Kogalymavia (Metrojet) flight 7K9268. Kerry was visiting the capital to open the newly built US Embassy when he recieved news of the incident. "We simply want to extend our condolences to Russia and to all of the families. We don't know any details about it but obviously the initial reports represent the tremendous tragedy and loss," he said. Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Erlan Abdyldaev informed the press that Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev has also sent a letter to Russian President Putin, offering his condolences. The plane, operating under the flight number 7K9268, is reported to have crashed in Sinai around 23 minutes after take-off. There were a total of 224 people on board - 217 passengers, including 17 children, and seven crew members, with reports indicating that all but three passengers, who are purportedly Ukrainian, were Russian.